I was not very good in April. I bought things I shouldn’t have. I ended up buying a Lancôme set from Nordstrom because it was a good deal. I like their mascaras and eye makeup remover. MAC had a sale on some limited edition collections. This sale contained 2 things that I have wanted but thought I missed out on. It was nice to see it back and half price! I also made an Ulta order mainly to get skincare for my husband since apparently he is incapable of repurchasing things on his own. In that order, I threw in an Alpha eye cream for myself and a TonyMoly foot mask. I also bought a Butter London Patent Shine Nail Lacquer in Her Majesty’s Red. It surprised me because it did kept a high shine for like 3 days. I’m pleased with this formula.

I buzzed/drunk bought drugstore stuff from Harmon Face Values. I got a hot pink lip liner from Wet n Wild (which is really good) and a few of their liquid lipsticks. Oops.

And it keeps going…I’m sorry. I’ve already told you that I was not good. It was too close to my birthday. I ended up buying Dior Prime & Correct to replace a color corrector. To get my birthday gift from Sephora, I also managed to get Fenty Match Stick in Chili Mango. I’ve really been into oranges lately.

I also forgot to tell you guys that I bought L’Oreal Colour Riche Shine in March. I’m obsessed with this formula and the shade, Dazzling Doe. The formula is incredibly flattering (no more flat, matte lips!). The shade works for me. It’s now one of my favorite “nudes”.

Now let’s move on to my empties. It was a lot so I apologize for this long post. If you have the patience, keep on reading:

SKINCARE

I emptied some HGs and rose-y stuff. My skin was so dry and dehydrated (and breaking out) in April. The weather was unpredictable. My stress level was through the roof. You’ll see a lot of stuff that deals with hydrating and brightening. I also didn’t use many sheet masks (I’ve been using the more economical Japanese style that are all in a pack together). 

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Floral Toner – I use this between products or to spray over my makeup to make it look less flat. It smells like apricots and roses.

• Repurchase? Yes. It’s a great value too.

Koelf Ruby Bulgarian Rose Hydro Gel Eye Patch – I’ve been into eye masks lately. I don’t really notice anything from these other than they feel cool/refreshing because they are a gel.

• Repurchase? Probably not but this brand is rather affordable and I did *like* them.

Lalun Winter Rose Cleanser – This is an all-natural oil that doesn’t emulsify that is recommended for dry skin types. Very rich and I loved it for face massages.

• Repurchase? No. I think it’s being reformulated/repackaged.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – One of my HGs. I use it like a splash in my routine. I like the liquid because of how it layers with everything I else I slather on my face.

• Repurchase? Yes. I already have.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Sunscreen – My OG favorite for the face. Review here. 

• Repurchase? Yes.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum (deluxe sample) – This totally works in fading post-acne spots, but the added citrus oils for scent are totally unnecessary. However, with this sample, my skin did not react negatively.

• Purchase? It’s expensive so I probably won’t unless I want to splurge. It did work for me though.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream (deluxe sample) – My dehydrated skin absolutely love this stuff. It hydrates and is weightless. Layers great with my other stuff, including sunscreen.

• Purchase? Yes. I really think my skin will love this in the summer. I wish it were packaged in a tube/pump though.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer (travel size) – OK daily moisturizer. No clue if it brightens since that usually takes months to find out.

• Purchase? No.

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum (travel size) – Very light, smells like the South of France. I think it’d be a good serum for summer.

• Purchase? Probably not but these stores are everywhere in NYC and I can’t resist.

Venn Age-Reversing All-In One Concentrate * (travel size) – Feels great if you like lightweight. Played nicely with my other stuff. However, it is not “all in one”. You’ll need sunscreen and a serum.

• Purchase? No. I like it but it is $$$.

Révive Defense Renewal Serum (travel size) – It’s a little more “active” than I expected. I do think it helped to fade some post-acne marks but an Vitamin C does that for me.

• Purchase? No, but I did like it.

Tarte Maracuja Oil (travel size) – Great oil but overpriced.

• Purchase? No. Garden of Wisdom has it for much cheaper.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (travel size) – I use the Nip & Fab ones and have wanted to try these. They are more gentle and I like that.

• Purchase? I may. They’re more expensive than the ones I use so maybe during a sale or something.

Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel (sample x 2) – No idea if it lives up to the claims since I only used it twice. My skin did peel the next day after using which I found odd because my skin can usually handle these things.

• Purchase? idk

Avène Hydrance Optimale Riche Hydrating Cream (sample) – Basic and I love it.

• Purchase? Yes, probably in the winter.

La Mer Soft Creme (sample) – Totally overpriced for what it is but I like it.

• Purchase? No. I can’t stomach the price.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Intense Replenishing Hydration Serum (sample) – I used to use this back when I first got married. Smelling it brought back memories so now I want some. It feels good too. Another good one for summer.

• Purchase? I probably will. I’m a sucker.

FRAGRANCE

I ended up emptying winter-y candles when it felt winter-y outside. I even got a few full-sizes in here! And I emptied about 2 samples a week. 

Votivo Spiced Chai Candle * – This is the most unspring-y fragrance ever. But, it snowed in April! On those days, I ended up burning what was left of this spicy candle. As far as “winter” spice home fragrances go, this is one of my favorites. The throw is great too.

• Purchase? Yes, but not any time soon. I’m soooo ready for anything that doesn’t remind me of winter. Screw winter.

Aura Cosmic Candle * – Smells like an orange creamsicle. Review.

• Purchase? Yes.

DW Smoked Birchwood Candle – I was so curious about a wood wick so I bought this cheap candle with a light woodsy scent. I hate it. It smokes like crazy and the crackling sound it makes convinces me that my house is burning down. Wood wick candles are too anxiety inducing for me.

• Repurchase? No.

Aera Fragrance Capsule in Indigo * – I promise I’ll review the Aera home fragrance system one of these days. This capsule smells like citrus/woods and reminds me of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for Her. 

• Purchase? I haven’t used all the scents, but I really love this one for the home.

Bath and Body Works Juniper Breeze Body Spray – I used this as a room spray because it smells just like a cleaning product. Review here.

• Repurchase? Nope. Never. It’s gross.

Haus of Gloi Perfume Oil in Cozy Sweater – It’s nag champa with a lot of sweet vanilla. I have all sorts of expensive crap and this is the one the husband always compliments me on. Go figure.

• Repurchase? Yeah. It’s the brand’s best seller and also my favorite from them.

LUSH 1000 Kisses Deep (travel spray) – An aggressive osmanthus. Review here.

• Repurchase? No. I like it but I’m over it.

Perfume samples I would repurchase/purchase:

Comme des Garcons Artek x Standard – Review

Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Fraîche Passiflore – I’m tempted. Probably won’t. But, it’s fun. Review.

Perfume samples I wouldn’t repurchase/purchase:

Roman Bejar Sanctum  – A goid”old church” incense. Review.

Chantecaille Vetyver  – Such a great vetiver. Review here.

Nasomatto Absinth – Another vetiver. Review.

DSH Perfumes Passport à Paris * – Old school coumarin/civet fougere.

By Kilian Beyond Love * – I love it but I have this base covered. Review.

Prada L’Eau Ambrée – I wore this for years. Adore it but need to move on. Review

BATH/BODY

How in the heck did I empty this many shower gels in one month? You’ll also notice that I took a lot of baths. I also was apparently into sticking bags on my hands and feet. 

Yves Rocher Vanille Noire Shower Gel – I love how the perfume smells and this was free with a purchase.

• Purchase? Love the fragrance. Hated the packaging (which they’ve changed).

Rachel’s Plan Bee Body Polish in Original * – This really grew on me. It’s very nourishing and gentle; yet, effective. It smells like an orange cream pop (other scents are available too). Review.

• Purchase? Maybe. I’m stocked on scrubs right now.

Madame Scodioli Smoke & Mirrors Soap – This smells clean in a dirty way (patchouli and rosemary).

• Repurchase? Yes. I like this line.

Nivea Care & Hibiscus Moisturizing Body Wash – Sometimes I just want boring American corporate shower gels. And then I get super sick of them. It’s a light, soapy “almond floral”.

• Repurchase? No. I’m so sick of this.

TonyMoly Changing U Foot Peeling Shoes – Out of all these “plastic bags of acid that will make your feet look like zombie necrosis” products on the market, I think TonyMoly’s is the strongest. My feet are now smooth.

• Repurchase? Probably. One day.

Absolute New York Repair & Care Hand Mask in Tangerine – Gave these moisturizing hand bags a try. They do moisturize and they smell like tangerines.

• Repurchase? Not a needed item but it did make my hands super soft.

Too Cool for School Lily & Jack On Jackson St Hand Cream – It’s k-beauty hand cream inspired by a kitty that lives in Brooklyn and smells like lilies. I had to buy it.

• Repurchase? For moisture, it’s not great. But, I love the fragrance.

Kneipp Bath Oil in Pure Relaxation/Lemon Balm (single use) – Smells like it would repel mosquitoes like a dream. Shade is one of those unappealing yellow/oranges.

• Repurchase? No. It’s just too “bug spray” for me. That’s lemon balm in general.

Kneipp Bath Oil in Beauty Secret/Argan & Marula (single use) – No color added to this one. It’s much more moisturizing/oily than the others in the line. Smells sort of like coconut and Moroccanoil.

• Repurchase? I may, but I think I want it in the bubble bath.

Kneipp Mineral Bath Salt in Hugs & Kisses/Raspberry & Lingonberry (travel size) Smells like pomegranate juice and turns the water a pink-y red.

• Repurchase? Yes.

Kneipp Bubbling Mineral Bath Salt in Unwind/Frangipani & Moringa (travel size) – I love the tropical floral scent. Not crazy about the yellow water shade.

• Repurchase? Yes. This was a repurchase.

Kuumba Made Amber & Sandalwood Bath Salt * (travel size) – I love this brand’s oils. However, this was a really light scent of their woodsy amber.

• Repurchase? No. I think you could make your own with their oils though.

HAIR

For me, this was a good month of hair empties because I actually emptied something. 

OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Strength Penetrating Oil – I bought this because a 19 year old on Youtube told me to. I usually know much better than this. However, I’m glad I listened! My hair really liked this. It’s not a true oil, but neither is the much more expensive Moroccanoil.  It does what it says it will on me hair.

• Repurchase? Yes.

John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler (travel size) – I love how this lotion detangler feels/works but I love it’s fresh neroli scent even more. My only concern is that with all the citrus oils, I suspect it will fade color. FYI – I use it as leave-in and do not wash it out.

• Purchase? Yes. I think I may risk the color fading.

Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment (travel size) – So many of these sort of hair oils are lies. But, this one is actually rich enough for coarse hair. It actually smooths and nourishes. Scent is strong, like a patchouli-amber. But, I like it.

• Purchase? Yes, a small bottle since it lasts a long time.

Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo & Conditioner (samples, 1 each) –  I haven’t used Bumble and Bumble in years and I remember why. It always makes my hair tangle and I don’t know why. This line did that to me too. My hair looked fine but it was tangled and kept getting tangled.

• Purchase? No.

MAKEUP

It was a slow month for makeup empties. I did hit the pan on a few eyeshadows and feel very happy with myself. 

Shiseido Stick Foundation in Control Color – I never really understood these green color correctors until I started experiencing hormonal acne into my 30’s. I love this formula (powdery and blendable). The shade is best for light/pale complexions with redness.

• Repurchase? Probably. It’s super hard to find now.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 (travel size) – I hate this stuff so much. It burns. It doesn’t work because there’s no way it provides enough coverage. It’s not even good for “supplemental” coverage.

• Purchase? No way.

Total: 51. 20 full-size. 17 deluxe sample/travel size. 14 samples.

This sounds like a lot because it was. I didn’t empty that much in March and it all caught up with me in April.

What about you? Which products did you empty in April? Did you buy anything new?

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Disclaimer – If there is a /*/ next to an item, it was provided by PR/the brand. All other items were purchased by me or are samples/gifts with purchase/subscription box products.

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*Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks, Beauty Brands, B-Glowing, WalMart, Yves Rocher and Amazon contain affiliate links. Thanks!